title: The free vascularized fibular graft for bridging large skeletal defects of the upper extremity.
abstract: Large skeletal defects of the upper extremity pose a serious clinical problem with potentially deleterious effects on both function and viability of the limb. Recent advances in the microsurgical techniques involved in free vascularized bone transfers for complex limb injuries have dramatically improved limb salvage and musculoskeletal reconstruction. This study evaluates the clinical and radiographic results of 18 patients who underwent reconstruction of large defects of the long bones of the upper extremity with free vascularized fibular bone grafts. Mean patient age was 27 years (7-43 years) and mean follow-up was 4 years (1-10 years). The results confirm the value of vascularized fibular grafts for bridging large bone defects in the upper extremity.
authors.affiliation: Center for Orthopaedic Research and Education, University of Athens, School of Medicine, Athens, Greece. psoukakos@ath.forthnet.gr
authors.forename: Panayotis N
authors.initials: PN
authors.lastname: Soucacos
authors.forename: Anastasios V
authors.initials: AV
authors.lastname: Korompilias
authors.forename: Marios D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Vekris
authors.forename: Aristides
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Zoubos
authors.forename: Alexandros E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Beris
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016025:Bone Transplantation / Q000379:methods*; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D005360:Fibula / Q000637:transplantation*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D058752:Free Tissue Flaps; D006801:Humans; D023821:Limb Salvage / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008866:Microsurgery / Q000379:methods*; D011182:Postoperative Care; D011859:Radiography; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D034941:Upper Extremity / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery*; D055815:Young Adult